20 Oct 2023 Community

Jayne Thackray’s story

The Kirkwood is here to support the people of Kirklees who are having to deal with life limiting illnesses. The people we support and care for are at different stages of their journeys. 

Some people are cared for with end-of-life plans, some are supported through our wellbeing sessions, and some come on to our In-Patient Unit at Dalton for help controlling the pain they may be experiencing.

The amazing thing about The Kirkwood is its ability to be flexible, agile and help those people in most need of care.

One of the people we are currently supporting is Jayne Thackray, 63, from Thurstonland. After suffering with Covid-19 in 2022, Jayne experienced shortness of breath and it was discovered that she had lung cancer. 

Jayne is currently receiving care on our In-Patient from our amazing clinical team. 

On the care she has received so far Jayne said: “I suffered with Covid-19 and have ended up being diagnosed with lung cancer. I was brought in to The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit to help control my medication. 

“I unfortunately fell ill with Covid-19 in May 2022, we did some tests following my recovery and found out that I had lung cancer due to me having breathlessness all the time. We thought initially it was long Covid-19 but it turned out to be lung cancer.

“When I found out I got the news I was shocked, it certainly made me feel like I have had the rug pulled out from underneath me. A blow to the side of the head would have been kinder.

“I have been having treatment and then I was recommended by my oncologist that it may be a good idea to contact The Kirkwood who could help control my pain relief and look at the medication I was on. 

“I didn’t know a massive deal about The Kirkwood, I didn’t know about the nursing part of it and how much they do. I knew about the fundraising element and I have seen The Kirkwood volunteers but the whole inner workings of The Kirkwood has surprised me.

“I have been surprised with how hands everyone is and how the staff make you feel valued as a person and human, even though you are in a bad situation. 

"The staff here are genuine and do their jobs really well. You get the feeling they aren’t just working for the charity for the wage they get paid, they are actually working here because they care.

“It doesn’t feel like I am in hospital here, and the staff make you feel like you have the very best care.

“The Kirkwood is so important to the local community and to the families of Kirklees who need support at their darkest moments."